The visit of the European Commission President to the Polish–Belarusian border took place on the 45th anniversary of the founding of “Solidarity.” Just as Poles then stood firm, today the West must remain tough and determined in the face of a new version of the “evil empire.” The meeting with Ursula von der Leyen was also attended by, among others, Minister of the Interior and Administration Marcin Kierwiński and Deputy Minister of National Defense Cezary Tomczyk.

European Solidarity in Defense of Borders

Forty-five years ago, the great “Solidarity” movement aimed to connect Poland with Europe and separate it from the Soviet world – the then “evil empire.” Today, the threat from Russia is once again real.

“Today, just like 45 years ago, Poland and Poles are taking on the great task of safeguarding not only their independence, but also the security and independence of the entire Western world. […] The threat from Russia has the same nature,” said Prime Minister Donald Tusk in Krynki, on the Polish–Belarusian border, during a joint statement with Commission President Ursula von der Leyen.

The head of government also referred to tomorrow’s anniversary of the outbreak of World War II and the joint attack on Poland by Nazi Germany and Soviet Russia.

“This teaches us all what security means, and how priceless freedom and independence are. How important it is that the whole West draws lessons from the Polish experience. That the whole world should take seriously the immense Polish effort to stop the threat from the East,” emphasized the Prime Minister.

He stressed that determination and bold action from the entire Western world are needed.

“The war in Ukraine clearly shows that there can be no talk of concessions. No subtle games with Putin and aggressive Russia lead to success or guarantee security. Poland, Europe, NATO, and the USA must be tough, resolute, and united in the face of yet another version of the evil empire,” Donald Tusk said.

The key issue here is the defense of Poland’s and the European Union’s border. That is why European funds must also be invested in it.

“I am here to express Europe’s solidarity with Poland as a frontline country. […] For years, Poles have been facing deliberate and cynical hybrid attacks. I would like to stress that Europe stands with you, shoulder to shoulder, in every possible way,” said the Commission President, who is visiting Poland as part of a tour of seven EU member states along the Union’s eastern frontier.

She added that Europe’s borders are a shared responsibility. EU member states with direct borders with Belarus and Russia will receive additional European funds.

Europe Strengthens Its Defense

In response to Russia’s military build-up, the European Commission has proposed enhancing Europe’s defense capabilities. This involves investment in the arms industry, support for Ukraine, and improvements in joint procurement.

“During your Polish presidency, we included €800 billion in investments within the defense plan. These €800 billion can and should be invested by 2030,” the Commission President said, addressing Donald Tusk.

The EU has also accelerated its joint procurement mechanism – the SAFE program, worth €150 billion. Ursula von der Leyen announced that 19 countries have already committed to the project, with Poland as its largest beneficiary.

“We are applying for tens of billions of euros and we speak about it without complexes. […] Next year we will also invest our 200 billion zlotys in defense and the Polish army. We take our obligations seriously and expect all of Europe to treat the security of the eastern border just as seriously,” stressed the Prime Minister.

A secure Polish border is a guarantee of security for all of Europe.

Poland Builds the “Eastern Shield”

In mid-2024, Poland began constructing the “Eastern Shield” – a defensive system of fortifications along its borders with Russia and Belarus. This includes the creation of defense infrastructure such as military fortifications, physical barriers, and an airspace monitoring system. The “Eastern Shield” will limit enemy troop mobility while ensuring greater operational freedom for the Polish army. In building the fortifications, the Polish military is applying lessons and observations from the war in Ukraine.

The government has allocated 10 billion zlotys for the implementation of the “Eastern Shield.” The project is scheduled for completion in 2028.

The installation is strictly defensive in nature. Its implementation is the largest project of its kind since World War II – not only in Poland, but in all of Europe.